12/03/2009

"On behalf of the Bishops of New York State, we are extremely pleased and grateful that the New York State Senate in a bipartisan vote rejected the concept that marriage can be anything other than the union of one man and one woman."

From Rev. Jason J. McGuire, Executive Director of the fallaciously titled New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms:

"Today’s vote results from the efforts made by a bipartisan, multiracial alliance united in support of the proposition that marriage is not just about adult satisfaction or the whims of a special interest group—it’s about kids."

"Senators crossed racial, ethnic, and party lines to [pass the bill]."

Okay so yes, technically 30 Republicans and 8 Democrats voted against civil fairness. But here's the thing: The ENTIRE Republican caucus voted as a block. They clearly didn't vote their individual consciences, as it's a near-certainty that at least one of them personally supports this basic right. Instead they voted as a party, casting unanimous "no" votes. Not even one had the fortitude to dissent.

So was yesterday's vote "bipartisan"? Sure, in a technical way. But don't be fooled: It was also a HIGHLY partisan vote. For a vote to be truly bipartisan in a way that sends an actual signal, members of both parties would be found on both sides of the issue. But in this case, the "yes" votes were 100% Dem, and the "no" votes were 100% dim from a block that consisted of 100% of the Republican membership. Just because eight Democrats joined the unanimous Republicans, it doesn't negate the fact that the GOP has once again chosen to attack our civil rights!